Final Audit - Nordstrom Supplier Compliance

FINAL AUDIT
APRIL 2014
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NPG requires a Final Audit be conducted for every Purchase Order to ensure we are shipped 1
quality products that meet or exceed Nordstrom standards. We know, however, that quality can
not be “built in” to the product at the Final Audit stage; factories must have strong quality
processes that support opportunities for continuous quality improvement. In these cases, though
an audit is required, it should be seen as a validation that those up-front processes are working.
If there is a breakdown, the audit information can be used to identify areas that need
improvement. The Final Audit requirement and process are outlined below.
REQUIREMENTS

A Final Audit is required for every Purchase Order
o
Multiple Purchase Orders for the same style may be combined on one audit

The Final Audit should be conducted only when a minimum of 80% of the shipment is
packed, including all colors and sizes, and the remaining 20% is complete (sewn,
pressed, finished and repairs are complete)

Initial audits conducted using a 2.5 AQL – Level II Normal Inspection
Single Sampling Plan for NORMAL Inspection
Table IIA of MIL-STD-105E
Acceptable Quality Level- Normal Inspection
Lot Size
Sample
Measure
26 to 50
8
4 per size
51 to 90
13
4 per size
91 to150
20
4 per size
151 to 280
32
4 per size
281 to 500
50
4 per size
501 to 1200
80
20
1201 to 3200
125
32
3201 to 10000
200
50
10001 to 35000
315
80

Accept / Reject
2.5 AQL
0/1
1/2
1/2
2/3
3/4
5/6
7/8
10 / 11
14 / 15
If the initial Normal Inspection fails, a re-audit must be conducted using a 2.5 AQL
Level II Tightened Inspection
Single sampling plan for TIGHTENED Inspection
Table IIB of MIL-STD-105E
Acceptable Quality Level- Tightened Inspection Accept / Reject
Lot Size
Sample
Measure
2.5 AQL
26 to 50
8
4 per size
0/1
51 to 90
13
4 per size
1/2
91 to150
20
4 per size
1/2
151 to 280
32
4 per size
1/2
281 to 500
50
4 per size
2/3
501 to 1200
80
20
3/4
1201 to 3200
125
32
5/6
3201 to 10000
200
50
8/9
10001 to 35000
315
80
12 / 13

The Lot Size is based on the Units Ordered

Samples must be taken from a minimum of 30% of the total cartons
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2014 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents
contain proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents
and their contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 1 of 5
FINAL AUDIT

APRIL 2014
All colors and sizes must be represented in the sample.
o

Orders packed for multiple DC’s, sampling must represent all DC’s
Samples must be pulled randomly from the top, middle and bottom of the carton
AQL AUDIT PROCESS

VISUAL AND CONSTRUCTION INSPECTION
o
Check a minimum of one garment of each color against the:



o

Approved sample for construction
Approved Shade Band and Trim Cards
Spec Pack for packaging and labeling requirements

Care, Content, Country of Origin and Registration Number
(RN)

Mandatory poly-bag safety warning

UPC / Retail Ticket
Inspect every garment in the sample for accurate and consistent stitch,
seams and construction

A defect is a defect – NPG considers all defects as major

A garment with multiple defects will count as only 1 defect in the
total

Identify any quality defects with colored masking tape or stickers

Inspection of the garment should not be stopped if a defect is found
MEASURE GARMENTS
o
Follow the Nordstrom Measurement Method
o
Measure 1 garment per size for all Points of Measure
o
Measure only Critical Points on the remaining samples
o
Document measurements on the Measurement Worksheet

Entries must be the actual measure for all points
Example: Spec 37”, Actual Measure 37 ½”, Enter 37 ½”, NOT + ½”
AQL AUDIT DECISION

Determine total defects by adding the Measurement + Visual and Construction
defects found

Compare total defects to the Accept / Reject level for the sample size used
o
Pass – Order released for shipment when the defective units do not exceed
the Accept level
o
Fail – Order must be 100% re-inspected, repaired and re-audited

Contact the Agent immediately to advise of the status (Direct
Suppliers contact NPG Production Planner)

Re-audit must be done using the 2.5 AQL Level II Tightened
Inspection Plan

3 party re-audits will be conducted at the Factory’s expense
rd
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2014 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents
contain proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents
and their contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 2 of 5
FINAL AUDIT
APRIL 2014
AQL AUDIT DECISION (cont’d)
o
Held – Order held pending Nordstrom review of questionable or pervasive
defects

Contact the Agent to advise of the status (Direct Suppliers contact
NPG Production Planner)

Pull samples representing the defect and submit to Nordstrom

Check the appropriate AQL Audit Decision on the Audit Form

A copy of the Final Audit is required to be sent to NPG within 24 hours
o

Email: [email protected]
A copy of the Final Audit must also be retained at the factory for 5 years based on US
Customs regulations
CARTON AUDIT PROCESS

Verify total carton count of packed goods against packing list

Select a minimum of 10% of the cartons at random for the Carton Audit (if conducted
after the AQL Audit)
o

Note: The Carton Audit may be conducted during the initial opening of the
cartons and sample selection
Ensure all inspected cartons meet specifications and have no holes, dents or other
damage
o
Corrugated cardboard
o
Minimum bursting strength – 200 lbs./ sq. in.
o
Maximum weight 50 lbs. (22.68 kg)
o
Protective cardboard top & bottom of carton
o
Sealed top and bottom with 3 inch patterned vinyl or paper reinforced tape


No staples or strapping
Check placement, accuracy and legibility of all carton marking
o
For updated requirements, see: NPG Supplier Procedures Manual / Apparel /
International Packaging and Shipping

Verify packed count, size and color of contents against the carton label

If the Carton Audit Fails, 100% inspection must be performed
o
Check the appropriate Carton audit Decision on the Audit Form
o
The issue should be corrected immediately and a Carton Re-audit conducted

When a passing result is achieved, the auditor should put the date
and their initials in the space provided on the Audit Form to indicate
acceptance
FINAL AUDIT FORM

Used to document and communicate results of the Final Audit

An Audit Form must be completed for each Audit performed
o
Check all items on the Audit Checklist available for the audit
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2014 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents
contain proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents
and their contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 3 of 5
FINAL AUDIT
APRIL 2014

o
Enter all Supplier information



o
Enter the dates of Production Spec Pack, Approved Production
Sample, Shade Band, Approved Trim / Findings Card and General
Certificate of Conformity (GCC)
Agent, Supplier, Factory, Factory address
STP Certified, select Yes or No
Select the appropriate Product Category
Enter all order and product information



Purchase Order Number(s), Style Number / Name, Style Description
NPG Division and Department from the dropdowns
Labeled Fiber Content, Labeled Country of Origin


Color(s), Ordered Quantity, Packed Quantity

o
o


Determine total defects by adding the Measurement + Visual and
Construction defects found

Check the appropriate AQL Audit Decision
Complete the Carton Audit section
Enter the total number of cartons in the order(s), list the carton
numbers by DC for cartons opened and check the appropriate
Carton Audit Decision
Make the appropriate selection from the Conducted By dropdown
A copy of the Final Audit is required to be sent to NPG within 24 hours
o

Audit Type, Lot and Sample Size and Accept / Reject Rate
Enter Total Number of Defects and Defect Description

o
Multiple colors of the same style can be combined into one
(1) audit
Enter Sampling Plan information as pulled from the 2.5 AQL Sampling Table

o
Multiple Purchase Orders for the same style can be
combined into one (1) audit
Email: [email protected]
See completed example below and downloadable blank form at NPG Supplier
Procedures Manual / Apparel / Quality & Manufacturing / Final Audit Report
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2014 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents
contain proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents
and their contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 4 of 5
FINAL AUDIT
APRIL 2014
NPG Supplier Procedures Manual © 2014 Nordstrom, Inc., all rights reserved. CONFIDENTIAL: These documents
contain proprietary, trade secret, and confidential information which are the property of Nordstrom, Inc. These documents
and their contents may not be duplicated or disclosed to any other party without express authorization of Nordstrom, Inc.
Page 5 of 5

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